Yesterday at the market, one of our new volunteers (Linda) talked to me for an hour about being on a gluten-free diet. Her husband has been on a very strict gluten-free diet for two years. His energy has increased so much and the headaches and stomachaches he was so used to are just gone. He lost nine pounds in the first two weeks.

I’m seriously considering switching to a gluten-free diet. I have been so low energy for my whole life and it has gotten worse in the past few years. I have regular headaches and my stomach is always hurting. I don’t think I have celiac disease (my friend/roommate in college had it and I know that whatever I have is not as serious as celiac disease) but I do think that switching to a gluten-free diet would be worth a shot.

Most of the foods I already eat are gluten-free. I eat wheat pasta and wheat bread so I’d have to get rid of that. Linda suggested switching to rice noodles but didn’t have a good bread substitute. I wouldn’t be able to drink beer and I’d have to be careful about the types of liquor I consume— the good news is that Seagram’s 7 is gluten free. Many candies are not gluten free as they’re often dusted with flour. I’d have to be extra careful while going out to eat, which I think is the biggest factor. I’d also have to be careful about preparing my lunch in the mornings before I leave for work.

I’m thinking that I may switch on February 1st. I want to make sure I have a grasp of all of the gluten-free safe foods and what foods/ingredients to avoid. I also want to make sure I have an arsenal of recipes, etc. before I switch over. But I’m strongly considering it. Has anyone had an experience or any knowledge of a gluten-free diet?